Off Task Teachers Podcast

Episode Summary In this episode, we talk about the importance of giving students choice and voice in the classroom and how doing so builds community, boosts motivation, and makes everyone's day run more smoothly. We share real strategies we use, from flexible seating to student feedback routines, plus a peek at what's keeping us busy this time of year. Topics Discussed & Links -Delegating classroo...

Have you ever had a lesson flop? Even the best laid out lessons might not go as planned, and this week’s episode will explore why lessons might flop and what you can do in the moment (and after) to change the direction of your lesson. Topics Discussed & Links Why do lessons flop? • Pacing, teacher confidence, time of year, and so much more! Make Notes • Add notes in your teacher manual or planner...

In this week’s episode we chat about all things Iditarod! Annie spent 2017 as the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, so she shares her tips and tricks for using the Iditarod in your classroom! For those who don’t know, the Iditarod is a 1,000 mile sled dog race across Alaska that takes place in March every year. It is the ultimate teaching tool for any grade! Please use the links below get started wit...

Episode Summary We’ve officially hit Episode 9! In this week’s chat, we dive into one of the trickiest parts of classroom life: getting students to actually talk —and not just surface talk. Even when they’re socially chatty, academic conversation doesn’t always follow. Nichole shares how her class often falls silent (“crickets”) when it’s time to turn the talk into thinking. Annie’s class, meanwhi...

Episode Summary In this episode of OffTask Teachers , we are fresh off a low-key Halloween and ready to dive into one of their favorite classroom traditions— read alouds . From Wonder to Frindle, we explore why read alouds are so much more than filler time. We chat about how reading aloud builds classroom community, sparks empathy, and connects students across grade levels. We share our go-to titl...

In this week’s episode we chat about our (not so) favorite holiday, Halloween! In 2025 it falls on a Friday, which is a blessing! While neither of us are super fans of the holiday, we do have some suggestions on how to make the day enjoyable for you and the students! We discuss how to make the day slightly academic, and suggest a few activities for your classroom party. In this week’s episode we a...

Join us for this week’s episode where we chat all about ways to make parent-teacher conferences a smashing success this school year! We share tips and tricks that have worked for us over the years. Plus, be sure to grab a few freebies we’ve included! Prepare for Conferences Ahead of Time ∙ Student 3, 2, 1 Reflection∙ Handout for Parents∙ Students Work to Share∙ Parent Google Form During Conference...

Episode Summary In this week’s episode we chat with Gretchen Geerts-Melaniphy, a math interventionist. We chat about her role, along with how she supports students and teachers. We discuss everything from common misconceptions we see students make, to teaching teachers (yes, Annie included) what the standards are. Gretchen shares insights from her years working with students who benefit from addit...

Episode Summary In this week’s episode we talk about 5 (but really 6!) strategies to create a math community within your classroom! Both Annie and Nichole discuss tips from their own experiences helping students feel like a part of the math community at school.’ First up, we talk about our favorite math topic to teach! Nichole’s favorite is volume in 5th grade, and Annie loves teaching two digit b...

Episode Summary In this week’s episode we will talk about classroom routines that can be used all year long. Annie and Nichole share their favorite classroom routine to start off the podcast, but then they go into detail about all the routines that help make the school year go more smoothly. Nichole has a morning meeting each day, which includes school announcements, question of the day, and any s...

Episode Summary Get back to school with Annie and Nichole! In this episode, we share our best strategies for starting the year strong with a new class of students. Topics Discussed - Staying organized at the beginning of the year - Starting strong with routines and procedures - Co-creating expectations with your class - What can you skip to save yourself time and money? Links & Resources Sub Binde...

Episode Summary Meet your podcast hosts- Annie & Nichole. These two friends both teach in the upper elementary classroom and decided to share their excitement for all things teaching with fellow educators! Annie is a 4th grade teacher in a Catholic school in Chicago. She is beginning her 17th year in the classroom- all 17 years have been at the same school, in the same classroom (and the same grad...